Israeli officials are facing backlash after years of Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu quietly allowing Hamas to remain in power.

But reporting in the New York Times has revealed that Netanyahu’s government was more hands-on about helping Hamas: they helped a Qatari diplomat bring suitcases of cash into Gaza, indirectly boosting the militant organization, according to the report.

The calculus — the Times reported on Sunday, citing Israeli officials, Netanyahu’s critics, and the man’s own reported statements — was to keep Hamas strong enough to counteract the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, allowing Netanyahu to avoid a two-state peace solution and keep both sides weak.

Israeli security officials got it wrong; they didn’t think Hamas was capable, or even interested, in launching a large attack against the Jewish state.

    • Reality Suit
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      1 year ago

      No, not at all, but I understand new facts can change upheld beliefs.

        • HaggierRapscallier@feddit.nl
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          1 year ago

          The Saudis are US allies. They did 911. Yet we remain allies. It doesn’t mean we ‘did it’ through them. But it’s suspect and deserves consideration.

          • TserriednichThe4th@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            A closer inspection already showed it was rogue saudi elements and a combination of arrogant, incompetent analysts during a transition period of presidencies.

            You should give that consideration.

        • Sparlock@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          The New York times did a few pieces on it at the beginning of Dec.
          “Israel Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Ago.
          A blueprint reviewed by The Times laid out the attack in detail. Israeli officials dismissed it as aspirational and ignored specific warnings.” https://archive.ph/SDOlU

          • TserriednichThe4th@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            Yeah, them dismissing it was a mistake. They thought it was BS.

            They get a lot of threats. Some will be false positives or false negatives.

            Doesnt mean they wanted or allowed the attack to happen. Ffs this entire thread is full of brain dead communists or some shit